How often do you change your belts?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 878
Likes: 60
From: Minneapolis, MN USA
How often do you change your belts?
Hi all,
I have not driven my car much at all over the past ~5 years. I am hoping to be more successful this summer! I don't think the belts have been changed in 10+ years. I'm wondering what you all recommend for frequency of replacement? I'm guessing that even though the car isn't driven, they still dry up a bit? Should I replace anyway?
Thanks for the input!
I have not driven my car much at all over the past ~5 years. I am hoping to be more successful this summer! I don't think the belts have been changed in 10+ years. I'm wondering what you all recommend for frequency of replacement? I'm guessing that even though the car isn't driven, they still dry up a bit? Should I replace anyway?
Thanks for the input!
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 10,684
Likes: 696
From: Danville Illinois
2025 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C3 of the Year Winner - Modified
2021 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
Every tine i put a water pump on.
After 40 years, 4 new pumps.
After 40 years, 4 new pumps.
2nd Gear
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Roslyn NY
Belt Replacement
You should inspect your belts particularly when you start driving more and the weather heats up....look for cracks, missing pieces dry rot and listen for any screeching sounds that may indicate slipping or stretching...your replacement belts should ride high in the pulleys, not down inside them as heat is the major culprit in belt failure. Use high quality replacements, not cheap mass marketing store types. ( I used to work as a rep for Dayco belts and hose back in the day)
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 12,706
Likes: 329
From: Scottsdale Arizona
I'm as guilty as the next person for replacing belts soon after they break but have been smartenning up over the years. Belts are not expensive and replacing cracked ones can keep you from getting stranded. I like the Goodyear Gatorback belts. I've never had to replace one a second time.
Last edited by CA-Legal-Vette; Apr 26, 2014 at 09:18 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 6,938
Likes: 848
From: melbourne florida
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
i inspect them and change them as needed. i always lift the hood and let the engine cool down and that seems to help all the rubber last longer.may not be true but i think it has merit. it is also another chance to look things over and spot problems before they get bad.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,736
Likes: 56
From: anchorage ak
same here. If a belt is good after 100,00 miles why replace it? Same goes for it being shot after 10,000 miles, if its cracked or splitting, time to replace it.
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Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 14,380
Likes: 6,391
From: At my Bar drinking and wrenching in Lafayette Colorado
I've been changing the belts every 30 years or so. No problems. Serpentine belts don't last quite as long - I've only been getting about 15 years and 200,000 miles out of the serpentine stuff. Bunch of crap.
Grumpy guy
Lars
Grumpy guy
Lars